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Community centre re-opens in Tonge Moor
A much-loved community centre has re-opened after improvement works.
Supported by Bolton at Home, The Fusion Centre on Connaught Square in Tonge Moor fully reopened on Tuesday with a special celebration to mark the completion of the refurbishment.
The refurbishment has been built to cater for the hundreds of community members who access the centre each week. A brand-new kitchen and a large communal space have been installed in the centre, allowing the Fusion community group to run more classes and cater for their growing members. The kitchen will now offer larger cookery classes for locals, while the lounge area can be used for group exercise classes.
Eileen Gaffney, chair of Fusion, said: “I’m absolutely blown away by the work done and am looking forward to welcoming old friends and new to the refurbished centre, which will open new doors and opportunities for Fusion in the future.”
Sarah Taylor, Community Development Officer said: “The Fusion centre is an integral part of the community around Tonge Moor and offers a valuable service to reducing loneliness and social isolation in the area. I know that many people have been looking forward to the reopening and the opportunities that the centre will bring for people in the local area. The group has worked tirelessly for the community, and I can't wait to see the centre full once more.”
Run by a group of local volunteers, Fusion offers members of the community the chance to learn new skills and make friends through a range of events and classes. Aimed at improving social cohesion and reducing loneliness in the area, the group also offers art groups, film clubs and knitting classes, while the connected Cowshed milkshake bar and internet café offers children the chance to meet up and get online in a safe environment. Even while the centre has been closed for refurbishment, volunteers have continued to run a number of events and classes from other community venues.
The group was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service last year for its commitment to supporting the local area and was granted funding from Tonge with The Haulgh Big Local to fund the recent refurbishment to cater for its growing numbers.
Pictured left to right: Paula Rowson, James Fearnley, Joyce Trainer, Marilyn Woods, Jim Fearnley, Eileen Gaffney, Emma Saunders, Brian Trainer, Sharon Matthews, Sarah Taylor.
You can learn more about the Fusion Centre by clicking here.
For more information about events at the Fusion Centre, contact 01204 380814.